Rita L. LaFontaine

Rita L. LaFontaine
Rita L. (Hayden) LaFontaine, of Bristol, born March 1, 1941, in Rochester, N.H., passed away at home surrounded by her family Saturday, July 30, 2011, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Rita was a wonderful and loving mother of three daughters, Donna Green and her husband, Allen, of Bristol, Michelle Selwood and her husband, Aaron, of Augusta, Maine and Debbie Aubin and her husband, James, of Bristol. An unforgettable sister of Norman LaFontaine and Theresa Dubuc of New Britain. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Beatrice and Louis LaFontaine; a young brother, Louis "Peter" LaFontaine; and an older sister, Jo-Ann Berry. She was a loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, Theresa, Kayla, Crystal, Joshua, Travis, Jessica and Samantha; plus a great-granddaughter, Danyl.

She made a life of helping others. She was a C.N.A. most of her life here in Bristol as well as in Maine. Her bright smile and the way she could always make others smile and laugh will sadly be missed by all who knew her. Her loving partner, Efrain Rivera, and her best friend, Rella Poulin were by her side throughout her courageous battle, until her candle of life was extinguished and she was called to be our angel. We will always remember her smile, kindness, words of wisdom. Although our hearts are sad today, knowing that she at peace will lighten our hearts with each day that follows.

She will be cremated and brought to Maine by her daughters for calling hours at Albert & Burpee Funeral Home, 253 Pine St. Lewiston, Maine, on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, from 10 to 1:00 p.m. Service will start at 1:00 at the funeral home and burial will follow at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery on Switzerland Road, where she will be laid to final rest with her mother and father. Family and friends may gather at The Green Ladle, 156 East Ave. Lewiston, Maine, following all proceedings. Dunn Funeral home, 191 West St., Bristol is in charge of arrangements. www.Dunnfh.com